Christmas 2017

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Page B2 – MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2017

Wishing you a season filled with sweetness.

2017 Christmas Message from Premier Brad Wall In 1913, a young immigrant, his name was John, who was a husband and father of three, left behind the oppression of his country forever. He also left behind his family, for what he knew might be an extended period of time.

Despite the fears he must have felt for his family, he set out to cross the ocean to find a place of hope for their future.

He came to Saskatchewan.

It took him nine years. He worked hard and he saved hard.

Those nine years were not without hardship and tragedy. And when they were over, he no longer had three children. His daughter had died in the influenza epidemic of 1915. Only his two sons remained.

What a bittersweet family reunion it must have been, when he managed to send enough money to bring his wife and two sons to join him. Despite their loss and their difficulties their story is still about hope.

Hope that was stronger than the fear of what they had to endure, they saw Saskatchewan as a place to build their future and turn that dream into reality.

Despite the adversities in the lives of that young immigrant family, that first Saskatchewan Christmas must have been a great celebration.

There was probably not a great deal of wealth in gifts or a great table spread, but there must have been a great deal of wealth and fulfillment in simply being together. And there must have been renewed optimism for the New Year dawning.

That has been what we have dared to dream in our province for the last 10 years. That Saskatchewan’s story would be about optimism and hope again. And that hope would be stronger than the fear that we aren’t good enough, or fear of the unknown.

Instead, we dreamed of a Saskatchewan that would bring our kids

home. A Saskatchewan that had confidence in what we have to offer to a new wave and a new generation of immigrants just like John.

Together, that’s what we have done.

In 2017, a hundred years later, that immigrant family’s descendants still live in Saskatchewan.

John’s great grandson and his family will come together in just a few weeks for a traditional ranch Christmas…all because of one man’s determination and sacrifice, and because of a place of hope, like Saskatchewan.

And this Christmas, newcomers from the world over will enjoy the holidays in their own way here in Saskatchewan. Because of the last 10 years, newcomers have again found hope here and chose Saskatchewan in record numbers to live without fear and to dream of a better future. May we always have that freedom and may we always have the freedom to celebrate Christmas.

Christmas is the ultimate story of hope because that’s what God gave to us all. He sent His son Jesus.

As a tiny baby, He left perfection to endure oppression because He loved us and chose to bring us that hope. That’s what I believe this Christmas.

It’s the time of year to enjoy the wealth of simply being together with those we love, and the fulfillment of helping someone in need.

And it’s the time of year when we are all reminded of the need to spread that hope and love God sent to us, to share it with those around us, especially those in need.

So from me and my wife Tami, and our family, and on behalf of my colleagues in the Government of Saskatchewan, may the Miracle of Christmas bless you and the True Spirit of Christmas keep you.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Season’s Greetings!

955 High Street West Moose Jaw, SK • (306) 681-8899

MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2017 – Page B3

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas, from your crummy neighbors…

Merry Christmas!

Every year I spend multiple hours getting our Christmas section together, reading tons of stories, poems and such, to find just the right ones to entertain and brighten up your Christmas holidays. There is something for everyone in these pages, for young children to those who may like to sit down, take a load off and do some light-hearted reading. Some are heart-warming; others might bring a tear to your eye or a hearty laugh. My wish is that you will enjoy every story because they were hand-picked especially for you by me.

A big thank you goes out to those that have generously contributed a greeting or article for this edition. Thank you for sharing a little of your life to greet your fellow Moose Javians; each of us tells our own story as we value each other’s traditions in celebration of the Spirit of Christmas.

Joan

Today, be thankful and think how rich you are. are the jewels of my life and I try to affirm my love for them as often as possible…and I don’t mean in the silent sense. The words ‘I love you’ are frequent and not far between…so are hugs…these are freely given without hesitation.

So it is with gratefulness at this time of year I consider these souls that grace my life with their presence. I feel so blessed to consider the family I was born into and the love we all share, my parents and siblings helped to mould me into JOAN RITCHIE the quirky individual I am, and I EDITOR Time doesn’t stand still and as I sit mean that in the nicest sense behere contemplating the eve of 2017 cause I like who I am, even if some and the dawn of a new year, I can’t don’t. I am my husband’s best fan help but reflect on the good things and sometimes I think we share in my life. And by good things, I the same brain…He is the love of mean my most-prized possessions my life and the kindest person I – my family and friends. This isn’t know. Many years ago, two chips a conclusive list because family off the old block came along…with to me includes the whole gamut faucets. They continue to be our of immediate family to relatives, pride and delight and their wives onto even those that are consid- complement them like beer and ered as such and some yet to be pretzels together. And now comes made. It is without a doubt, they the good part…I never thought

MacGyver

that two little lives could brighten my world as much as our grandsons do. It seems that life takes on a greater meaning when I consider these precious mouldable jewels, Makoto and MacGyver, soon to be two.

Last but not least, I am so thankful for my friends, far and few between. I appreciate every opportunity we share together, the laughs

Makoto

and good times.

So as the lights go out on 2017 and a New Year unveils itself, I lift a toast to those that make my life rich. Merry Christmas to all and may 2018 hold all things dear to us…wealth in family and friends, health and no lack of any good thing.

Wishing you peace & love this Christmas Season (306) 693-7536 • www.chowmcleod.com 48 High Street West, Moose Jaw

DAYS CLOSED: DECEMBER 25TH AND 26TH AND JANUARY 1ST

Page B4 – MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2017

Merry Christmas & HAPPY NEW YEAR

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Merry Christmas FROM

OUR FAMILY TO YOUR’S

Christmas is a season not only of rejoicing but of reflection.

A fond memory…

by Warren Michelson Moose Jaw North MLA Family is important and we have One Christmas turned out to be always tried to be together in dai- very special. As we were preparly happenings like sitting down ing to leave about 3 days before to evening supper or attending Christmas, our trip was postponed. church each Sunday. I’ve tried to Our young son became ill and we make family activities a priority, decided not to travel with a child planning my work around events not feeling well. We planned to that involve our children. Wheth- travel the following day. The next er it’s attending hockey practices, day showed no improvement in school plays, dancing or parent in- his health so we put off our trip for terviews, it was important to me. a second day. That day, our little At Christmas, it seemed significant boy still wasn’t feeling well…this to extend that family commitment would mean missing the festivities to visit my mom and dad and sibof Christmas with grand parents, lings with their families. My parparents, siblings and cousins. ents lived two and a half hours away; Debbie’s family were even I remember feeling a sense of disfurther by 2 hours. Christmas is a appointment. Instead, we would special time for family together- be spending Christmas Eve at our ness, as it would be long stretches home with our children. We lovof time between visits, and this ingly tucked them into bed that time of year is significant to us all. night and planned to spend ChristBefore the holiday, we would plan mas at home. our trek well in advance, making The following morning was Christsure to take all we needed for the mas. I remember waking up to Christmas break. Two or three calmness and hearing the jubilant days prior to Christmas, we would amusement of our children, filled pack all the Christmas gifts and with the excitement of Santa’s visit. the extra clothes and coats for our They opened their gifts and played young children. Everything would joyfully for some time. Our son be strategically packed into the was feeling much better. Later that car, with several readjustments in day, we packed up what we needed order to get everything in and the and made the trip to Grampa and car trunk closed. The time it would Grandma’s house, with the kids take to get ready would become quietly enjoying their new gifts as somewhat of a stressful process; we travelled. packing and arranging everything The peace and serenity that Christwe anticipated needing, along with mas is something I still fondly reall the gifts and food. There were member. It was as though the times that the very joy of Christonly thing that was important was mas would all but disappear, with the commotion of getting prepared the peacefulness and tranquillity of our family together. I still cherfor the long trip.

We’d pile the kids into the car to ish the memory. I realized that a begin the long drive. I don’t think lot of the stressful things we try to we even realized it at the time. The control are not as important as we very joy we wanted to share was originally believed. That Christhampered by the stress of getting mas set a new tradition in our there. However, it was something home; we would share those spewe were bound to do and accepted cial quality times together with our that tension of hustle and bustle to children in a relaxing grateful famgo back home for Christmas. ily Christmas.

Large Animal Service Centre At this season of Peace, Harmony & Goodwill, we are grateful for the opportunity to pause and express our appreciation for good friends like you. We are thankful for your confidence in us and your loyalty is very much appreciated. In the spirit of the Christmas Season, We wish you every happiness during the holidays and look forward to serving you in the New Year.

790 Lillooet Street West

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From the Board and Staff of the

Moose Jaw Public Library 461 Langdon Crescent (306) 692-2787 December 24, 25, 26th: CLOSED December 27, 28, 29 & 30th: Open Regular Hours December 31st: CLOSED January 1st, 2018: CLOSED

Believe in Santa…just beclause!

MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2017 – Page B5

Bring Joy to the World This Christmas There is something special about the Christmas season. The lights, the sights and the sounds trigger memories

by Greg Lawrence MLA of Christmases gone by.

I remember the feeling of anticipation as a child – waiting and wondering what Santa would leave in our stockings and under the tree.

I also remember feelings of peace on Christmas Eve, and the joy of waking up with my family for the excitement of Christmas morning.

I remember time at home, or a home away from home with family and loved ones, preparing delicious and home-cooked Christmas meals.

When our kids were young, I loved experiencing Christmas through their eyes – their excitement and curiosity nothing short of magical.

Marjorie and I are thrilled to experience it all again this year as grandparents, without all of the pressure to provide a perfect Christmas.

While each of us has our own unique traditions, celebrations and memories, I think

these are the kinds of things most of us can relate to.

In this season that is filled with joy, laughter and giving, we should always remind ourselves of those who have a difficult time at Christmas.

I am reminded of those in other parts of the world who are faced with unimaginable circumstances, but also of our friends and neighbours.

There are people in our community who, for a variety of reasons, are having a hard time. Some have lost jobs, homes and loved ones.

Christmas is an opportunity for us to reach out and bring joy to their lives.

Moose Jaw is blessed with an abundance of good people who do great things.

Christmas reminds me of the good work done by the Salvation Army, Riverside Mission and countless community-based organizations, volunteers, local businesses and service clubs.

2000 years ago, the birth of our Saviour delivered an eternal message of love, compassion and hope; that we are our brothers and sisters keepers, and we should do for them as we would have them do for us.

These are the values that guide our citizens of all faiths, all backgrounds, and have helped the people of this province earn a reputation for kindness and character.

The beauty of the Christmas season can remind us all of the beauty in life that we often take for granted – our family, our friends and our faith.

Whatever this Christmas season brings for you, I hope that the lights, the sights and the sounds of the season produce memories you will cherish forever.

On behalf of my wife Marjorie and my family, I want to extend best wishes for the Christmas season.

Please drive carefully as you travel during the holidays.

Merry Christmas and have a blessed prosperous New Year.

! s a m t s i r h C y r r e M CASSANDRA MCRAE, DAN NOBLE, LYNDON CAIRNEY, TRISH MEALING, JOHN CHAMP, JAYCEE HATLEY, REG GLOVER, KELVIN HICKE, BLAIR GREENSIDES, DEBRA JOHNSON, RHONDA WENARCHUK, RON GORHAM

MOOSE JAW AGRO

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Page B6 – MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2017

Happy Birthday Jesus

Make Christmas Special

Christmas in the Tolmie household has, over these past couple of years, become more joyous and entertaining. With having a 5 year old and a 2 year old, the excitement fills our FRASER TOLMIE house, but it hasn’t Mayor of Moose Jaw always been that way.

In 2012, my first daughter was born five days before Christmas. Like many other children who start out, she was sick. This meant that we, as new parents, had to stay in the hospital a few extra days for the baby to stay in an incubator. The baby’s room was prepared and the furniture assembled and the fairy-tale ending of bringing our baby home had not yet happened.

It was a humbling experience to be on the receiving end of generosity from strangers. It was at this time that I witnessed some very special things that may go unnoticed in our community, what I believe makes this city great.

First and foremost, the staff at the Moose Jaw hospital were absolutely wonderful. They took the burden of two new parents feeling inadequate and helped us day and night in the first days of my daughter’s life. What were first selfish thoughts of watching other fami-

lies being able to take home their newborns to be with their families, turned quickly into grateful memories of a group of people who sacrificed their own family Christmas time to make sure my wife and I were equipped to start a new life with our daughter.

While Cassandra and I did not feel like celebrating Christmas, due to sleep deprivation and worry, the Salvation Army came around the hallways singing Christmas Carols reminding us why we were celebrating this holiday season. I was reminded of people’s generosity and how, when going through a difficult time, to recognize there is a reason for the season.

I continued to witness generosity. On Christmas day a friend of mine with his oldest son went around the different wards delivering Christmas oranges. I witnessed someone who didn’t advertise his good deeds but was being intentional in the way he was bringing up his children. I witnessed someone who was showing his son that it is good to be able to give, not just receive.

On Christmas morning our family arrived at the hospital with more love than I have ever felt. How we packed so many people into that one little room with an incubator, I’ll never know. Joy can be experienced in so many ways...but to feel it when you are experiencing difficult times together can really change your perspective.

I am proud to live in this city and I am proud

of the people of this community. I want you to know what I have received has been more than I could ever give back. I am reminded of Mother Teresa who once said, “God has not called us to do great things, but to do small things with great love!” Those small things really make a difference and I ask for you, this year at Christmas, to remember that there are dedicated people out there making a sacrifice to others. They are keeping the true meaning of Christmas alive in a commercialized world.

It is not where you are or what you get, but who you are with that makes Christmas special.

Cassandra, Saoirse, Eilidh and I hope that God will bless you this Christmas with a gift that is so much more than wrapped!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas.

Thank you for your patronage, we look forward to serving you in 2018.

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MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2017 – Page B7

Christmas isn’t a season. It’s a feeling

What You Didn’t Know About Elves Santa gets lots of attention at Christmas, as he should. He delivers millions of gifts in a single night, visiting every country in the world. He has to remember what goes where, and has to keep track of time zones.

He is impressive, but like any admirable celebrity, he has a team that helps him accomplish all that he does. In this case, it is made up of reindeer, and elves. The reindeer, of course, pull the sleigh and never get lost. They use hyper speed and make sure that Santa gets the deliveries done on time.

The elves, however, have a much bigger job. They have to make all the toys, and presumably care for the sleigh and the reindeer. This takes months of work, and loads of knowledge.

Elves have to go to school to acquire this knowledge. They have a class load that includes carpentry, electronics, sewing, mechanics, visual arts and business classes, to take

By Gisele Perrault

care of any errors or returns.

They have to know about traditional toy making, but also have to keep up with the latest trends, so that they can provide games and electronic gadgets to those who ask for them.

They also have to be trained in First Aid. Accidents are sure to happen when that many hands are working with tools, paints, wires and wood. The North Pole is far from any medical facility, so there is a big supply of band aids and antibacterial creams.

Elves are not tall, no more than one meter. They dress in boots and hats, because they live at the North Pole, where it is very cold, and they have to stay warm. They choose green as their main color, probably because it complements Santa’s red suit.

They have lots of work to do, so contrary to popular belief, they do not survive on sugar and candy. To keep up their energy levels, elves eat a

Wishing you a peaceful holiday season Proudly Independent. Locally Owned and Operated 268 Mulberry Lane Moose Jaw, SK • 306-693-4550

Citizens of Moose Jaw City Council, Administration and all City Personnel wish you a very Merry Christmas. and hope during this holiday season.

We wish you all a healthy, happy and prosperous 2018!

Fraser Tolmie, Mayor City of Moose Jaw • 228 Main Street N www.moosejaw.ca

healthy diet. That is how they can move so quickly. It is also how they stay slim and trim.

They make sure that the reindeer are fed and well rested.

They provide water for them and keep their stalls clean.

They take them out for an occasional fly, which gives them the opportunity to see the world from a different point of view. It also keeps the animals in shape.

They also have to maintain Santa’s sleigh, lest something go wrong on the big day. Regular oil changes, a state of the

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Their work is not done until after about a week after Christmas. In those few days, they take care of any returns and exchanges, in the rare occasion where Santa in his busy-ness makes a mistake.

When the elves finally get their holiday, they head to Scandinavia, where they had their origins. After a bit of rest and relaxation, they head back to start again for the next year.

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Thanks to all our customers who did business with us this past year!

We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Page B8 – MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2017

Christmas, my child, is love in action.

The year Hulda and Chuckie

came to the farm to celebrate Christmas We were on our way to the farm from the city a few days before Christmas when my mother broke a silence in the car.

By Ron Walter “Mom told me Hulda and Chuckie are coming for Christmas,” said my mother.

“Guess we have to invite them out,” responded my father. “Just what we need, a pair of alkies at Christmas. Hope that Frenchman can hold his booze. Hope she doesn’t try dancing on the table.”

I knew little about my mother’s aunt and uncle. They married after the war. He was a cook and just got a good job cooking for a jail.

She was housekeeper for a family, which puzzled me. In my world 65 years ago, wives did all the housekeeping. Why anyone would need a housekeeper was beyond me.

Amongst themselves, the family called Hulda and Chuckie alkies because they drank a lot and were rarely sober. To my young mind meeting these alkie relatives would be exciting to see what a real alkie was like.

Christmas Day came. The family, mostly from my mother’s side came — all 14 or 16.

My father’s parents were pious and didn’t

go for booze at Christmas.

Hulda and Chuckie came with an uncle and his family. I was surprised. Hulda and Chuckie were both nice. She was pretty, laughed a lot, joked and spent time with me. They had no kids.

He was totally bald, tall, always smiling, talking and had an accent, the French in him.

I wondered briefly if the baldness came from being an alkie, deciding not when seeing a bald uncle who rarely drank.

Christmas dinner was fantastic: good food, lots of laughing, talking and drinks. I even got my tumbler with a teeny bit of wine in it — a tradition that ensured for me that alcohol was just another drink, not some forbidden elixir to sneak away and get drunk on.

Dinner was perplexing. I had eyes fixed on the two alkies, choosing to sit near them.

They were having fun like the rest of us. As dinner and the desserts, ended their speech changed. Hulda’s words weren’t coming out right. Chuckie’s accent grew stronger and his voice louder.

So, I thought, that’s what an alkie acts like.

I was thinking we might see her dance on that chrome table, or him pass out.

Around three in the morning, our guests, except for my grandparents, left for the 55mile drive back to the city.

Morning came. I wolfed down my corn flakes, eggs and bacon so I could soak up the heat from the furnace grate in the living room.

While warming myself, I overheard adults talk about how well-behaved Hulda and Chuckie were the night before.

Hulda and another sister were much younger than my grandmother, whose husband traded a team of horses for his then 15-year-old wife.

Back then, the younger sisters were considered wild. Both met soldiers in training, fell in love and married. Hulda’s other sister lived in England.

I did ask my father what he had against Frenchmen. Nobody in our district had much use for Frenchmen except the Liboiron family living near us. They were good folks.

My Dad explained that in the war there was a vote on forcing men to join the army.

The French in Quebec voted no. The rest of Canada voted to have forced enlisting.

My young mind learned a little about alkies and Frenchmen that Christmas.

Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

Page B30 – MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2015 Sugar and spice makes Christmas nice!

Christmas Greetings Special Edition MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2017 – Page B9

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Christmas is

May the joy and peace of the holiday season bring happiness that lasts all through the upcoming year!

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Life Lessons for Love - Classic Tale

Author Unknown As 2017 is soon coming to an end and we embark on a brand new year, it’s a time for reflection as we examine how far we’ve come and where we are going in life. The message is that it’s not about the diploma, isthe account, the rĂŠsumĂŠ, the authored, stock the‘and wine Christmas for bank love. It is for joy, for giving and sharing, forsummer laughter, forhome, top to the lookbooks inside. ‘Oh you can’t the see what’s in options, it,’ he replied, you reuniting with family and friends, for tinsel and brightly covered packcan’t touch it, or taste it or feel it, but mother always said it makes you cellar, or the luxury sedan in the driveway. “Keep your perspective,â€? they say. “Realize that your purpose ages.

But,world mostly is, Christmas is forforemost, love. I had not thisbetter until a life feelfor good all the time, warm on cold nights and safe when you’re all in this first and to believed make a others.�

small elfin like pupil with wide innocent eyes and soft rosy cheeks gave me a wondrous gift one Christmas.

Matthew was a 10 year old orphan who lived with his aunt, a bitter, middle aged woman greatly annoyed with the burden of caring for her dead sister’s son. She never failed to remind young Matthew, if it hadn’t been for her generosity, he would be a vagrant, homeless waif. Still, with all the scolding and chilliness at home, he was a sweet and gentle child.

I had not noticed Matthew particularly until he began staying after class each day [at the risk of arousing his aunt’s anger so I learned later] to help me straighten up the room. We did this quietly and comfortably, not speaking much, but enjoying the solitude of that hour of the day.

When we did talk, Matthew spoke mostly of his mother. Though he was quite young when she died, he remembered a kind, gentle, loving woman who always spent time with him.

As Christmas drew near however, Matthew failed to stay after school each day. I looked forward to his coming, and when the days passed and he continued to scamper hurriedly from the room after class, I stopped him one afternoon and asked him why he no longer helped me in the room. I told him how I had missed him, and his large brown eyes lit up The lesson here is for people: eagerly as he replied, ‘Did youyoung really miss me?’ Do not hesitate to I explained how he had been my helper, was making you aFind surswitch interests, majors, orbest fields of ‘Iconcentration. prise,’ he whispered confidentially. ‘It’s for Christmas.’ With that, he your preference or your passion, and then focus on it to became embarrassed and dashed from the room. He didn’t stay after your content. schoolheart’s any more after that.

Success is athejourney – not a race.

PrepareMatthew well, retain good Finally came last school day before Christmas. crept slowly into the room latemake that aftaernoon his handsstrategies: concealing something practices, and habit with of effective behind his back. ‘I have your present,’ he said timidly when I looked up. ‘I hope you like it.’ He held out his hands, and there lying in his small 1.

Do anot content palms was tiny be wooden box. to be average. Mediocrity breeds boredom, opportunity, and an unsatisfactory ‘It’s beautiful,poor Matthew.

Is there something in it?’ I asked openinglifethe

alone.’ I gazed into the empty box. ‘What is it, Matthew’ I asked gently, ‘that will make me feel so good?’ ‘It’s love,’ he whispered softly, ‘and mother always said it’s best when you give it away.’ He turned and quietly left the room.

So now I keep a small box crudely made of scraps of wood on the piano in my living room and only smile when inquiring friends raise quizzical eyebrows when I explain to them there is love in it.

Yes, Christmas is for gaiety, mirth, song, and for good and wondrous gifts. But mostly, Christmas is for love.

Advice from a 1963 Harvard Business School grad - Jose M. Faustino

distinctive, if not unique, in your approach.

2.

Take well-analyzed risks, particularly when there is everything to gain and little to lose. Do not be afraid of rejection when you have competently and ethically tried to succeed.

3. Be skilled in political strategy. Interpersonal, leadership, and motivational skills are all important for success, but few consider political strategy. In my mind, there is organizational politics in any group with more than three style. Instead, decide to excel in everything you do, and be people.

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Page B10 – MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2017

May your stuffing be tasty and your turkey be plump

Get caught shopping local!

Moose Jaw & District Chamber of Commerce

88 Saskatchewan St E, Moose Jaw • Phone: (306) 692-6414

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Christmas Inn Dinner

This year is the 39th presentation of the Christmas Inn Dinner at St. Andrew’s Church. The Christmas Inn has been celebrated since 1978 when it was initiated by Gerhardt and Dicky Scholten to promote fellowship and feasting as done in their homeland of Holland. Each year the Christmas Inn is sponsored by the St. Andrew’s Outreach Committee. It provides a community time and a meal

for anyone alone at Christmas.

It takes many volunteers and donations so that individuals, couples or families can enjoy and share the celebration in a home-like atmosphere. Guests may bring a food contribution to the meal but this is not essential. The Inn takes place on December 25th at 3:30 pm. You need to pre-register to volunteer and/ or attend by calling 306-691-0386.

happy holidays We will be closed December 22, 25 & 26, open December 27 & 28, and closed again December 29, and January 1, 2018.

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MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2017 – Page B11

If you don’t believe, you won’t receive!

Merry Christmas!

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The Colors of Christmas

By Gisele Perrault

Red, green and gold are the most traditional Christmas colors.

Most of the colors of Christmas originate with northern European traditions, when Christmas is celebrated in the coldest and darkest time of the year.

Green has long been used to decorate during the winter. It is a sign of new life and spring, a reminder that winter will end. It is a bright color, welcomed in the dark months. Evergreen branches were exchanged by the ancient Romans as a sign of luck.

In many parts of Europe during the middle

ages, Paradise plays were performed, often on Christmas Eve. They told bible stories, mostly for those who couldn’t read. There were often trees decorated with red apples in the plays, to represent the fall of Adam in the Garden of Eden.

The apples are one reason why red was adopted as an official color. Bishops’ robes were also red. Saint Nicholas would have worn a red robe. He, of course, is the ancestor of today’s Santa Claus.

Gold is the color of light, which is very important in the dark of winter. Gold and red are also the colors of fire, needed to stay warm.

But what if you’re not a fan of these three colors? You can invent your own stories, using any color you want. Here is what the most common ones represent.

Orange is the color of social communication and optimism. Yellow represents the mind and intellect. It is optimistic and cheerful.

Blue is the color of trust and peace, suggesting

loyalty and integrity. Purple is imagination.

It can be creative, individual, immature and impractical. The color meaning of turquoise is communication and clarity of mind. Pink is unconditional love and nurturing, but can also be immature, silly and girlish. For universal harmony and emotional balance, use magenta in your color scheme. It is spiritual yet practical, encouraging common sense and a balanced outlook. Brown is friendly, yet serious, down to earth, relating to security, protection, comfort and material wealth.

Silver has a feminine energy; it is related to the moon- fluid, emotional, sensitive and mysterious. White is the color of perfection, purity, innocence and completion. Finally, black is mysterious, secretive and hidden.

However you decide to decorate, have fun with it. Choose your colors, and challenge your guests to guess why your house is dressed in those choices.

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Page B12 – MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2017

Lighten up. It’s Christmas!

Merry Christmas Greg Lawrence, MLA Moose Jaw Wakamow 404B Lillooet Street West Moose Jaw, SK 306-694-1001

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

75-3rd Ave., NW • 306-692-4026

Christmas Office Parties Gone Wrong Too much holiday cheer can be a bad thing for workers, particularly at the annual office party.

‘’Don’t tell Bruce ...’’

“I saw a coworker complain about a recent assignment, then say, ‘Don’t tell Bruce I was complaining.’ She was talking to her boss, Bruce.”

‘His apathetic continuation of floor waxing seemed to both sum up and punctuate the entire night.’

“I was leaving the office where I worked, a government department, so the end of year party was also a de-facto farewell party for me. As far as stuffy office parties where the entire drinks menu is funded by taxpayers, it was pretty darn swinging.

“Anyway, about an hour into it, a girl I had been talking to all year comes up

and asks if I want to get out of there. Yes I do! She says we should go get coffee and then there is something she wants to show me because it might be the last time I ever see her. I say my final goodbyes to my boss and workers, all lovely people, and duck out of the party before it winds down to go get coffee with this woman who I’d been hitting-it-off really well with, or so I thought.

“We get to a cafe, order drinks, chat for a bit and the second the waiter walks away, this crazy %&*$ drags out all of these charts and forms and crap, even had a little A-stand for her presentation, asking me to sign up for Amway.

“I drank my scaldingly hot coffee way too quick and hoped to get out of there fast to run back to my party, but it was

too late, and the only person there was the janitor. His apathetic continuation of floor waxing seemed to both sum up and punctuate the entire night.”

From all of us at

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MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2017 – Page B13

Faith, Family and a Christmas Tree Stand

by Don Krause with Jeff Dewsbury

Even though many members of my extended family (myself included) have never seen the little mechanical Christmas tree stand that now sits in my nephew Clarence Krause’s home in Saskatchewan, we all hold a special place for it in our hearts.

More than just a neat little trinket from a by-gone era, the little stand - manufactured in Germany in the early 20th century - symbolizes God’s provision for us through the generations. That simple mechanical device, which plays Silent Night (one of the all-time great sacred carols) as it slowly turns the tree around, played a role in deliv-

ering our family from a tumultuous and violent period of history. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ From the Beginning The winter of 1911 was very bleak in the Ukraine, especially for Mennonites. My christmas storyancestors, Jacob and Helena Krause and their family, lived in the settlement of Nieder Choritza. The Russian Revolution was in full swing and Mennonites all over the country were living under the threat of violence. Every day stories circulated around the small community. One told of thieves riding in the night, demanding food and taking the villager’s horses. Another told of them burning barns. Apprehension permeated the entire area because people never knew when they would become the next target. In some of these attacks women and girls were raped, and men were kidnapped and never seen again.

Still, amidst the dark rumors, there was some joy, some comfort, for my family still had their faith.

They would celebrate the birth of Christ in freedom, not in fear. Jacob and Helena’s oldest sons, Jacob and Peter, bought the musical Christmas tree stand as a present for their parents. On Christmas Eve, the family gathered around the tree to watch it spin in the glow of the candles it had been adorned with.

Then the Door Burst Open....

However, without warning, the calm was briefly shattered. As the stand clinked away Silent Night, the door burst open and a band of ruffians stormed in, all holding guns. Shock blitzed through the family, wondering what would happen next. They watched as the uninvited guests became totally still, then backed out of the house and closed the door, leaving the room as peaceful as it was before their intrusion.

That year the family celebrated not only Christmas but Thanksgiving too, for their God had preserved them. God had used that small, seemingly insignificant device, to signify his lordship over our family. His message - whether conveyed through the ‘miraculously’

rotating tree, or the sanctity of the family quietly celebrating the birth of His Son - registered loud and clear to the would-be bandits: ‘Hands off!’

When it came time for the family to flee the Ukraine in 1923, they were told to Christmas in the Ukraineleave everything behind.

All personal belongings would be confiscated on the train. But the tree stand held such precious memories that the Krause boys couldn’t leave it behind without a fight. Before leaving the country, they stealthily tied the contraption to the bottom of their train car.

When the train chugged its way to Latvia, the boys got out at a stop there and retrieved the heirloom.

They wanted to transport the evidence of that first remarkable Christmas Eve, so that all of us future generations could be blessed by the story of God’s faithfulness. **http://thoughts-about-god.com/ christmas/dk_tree.htm

All the best in 2018!

PO Box 1024, 1224 Ominica St E Moose Jaw, SK S6H4P8 Phone: (306) 692-5151 - Fax: (306) 691-0818 Email: d.roofing@sasktel.net Brad Duncan Owner/Operator

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Page B14 – MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2017

Guardian Angel pure and bright…please lead Santa here tonight.

Christmas cake shared with friends and neighbours I have never understood the wrinkled noses and animosity that seems to surround a wonderful Christmas tradition — the fruit cake more commonly called the

By Joyce Walter “Christmas cake.” ronjoy@sasktel.net Whenever the idea of such an edible treat is mentioned, there is always one in the crowd who expresses intense dislike for this combination of spices, candied fruits, raisins, brandy and rum (optional), eggs, flour and butter.

In my childhood home, the day the Christmas cake was to be prepared was a day to which I always looked forward — there was something exciting about being allowed to measure the fruits and raisins and the night before the baking, to get those ingredients ready to sit overnight to absorb the grape juice and spices.

Early in the morning, the pans would be prepared and the final ingredients added to the huge dish that just barely held the growing mound of ingredients. My tiny arms could not manage to do the stirring but I watched in fascination as my Mother did the mixing, using her heavy mixing spoon made from heavy materials that were able to withstand the weight of the cake’s ingredients.

It seemed to take hours for the cake to bake, and it actually did, for a low and steady heat was the prescription for a moist and wellcooked fruit cake — unlike the store-bought cakes that do not have the sustainability of a homemade cake.

Even when the cakes were out of the oven and cooling on the racks, it was understood that it would be weeks before they would be cut for eating, although a tiny slice was taken from the smallest of the cakes and divided into three so each of us in the house could sample the result of our labour.

As Christmas drew near, one of the cakes would be cut into substantial slices, then wrapped in cellophane, adorned with colourful ribbons and gift cards. Then Dad would deliver the cake, along with homemade buns, to the bachelors and older residents of the community.

Sometimes I would go along and it was a happy time to receive thanks from the recipients of my Mom’s generous Christmas spirit.

Over the years I have followed the family’s cake recipes and have had some success with the production of traditional Christmas cakes, both dark and light. While my brother was alive, he put in his order early for he loved Christmas cake.

For Christmas 2009 I whipped up Mom’s recipe and gifted him an entire cake, cut into pieces, wrapped and placed in a large tin. I requested he return the tin when he finished eating the cake. Only a few days later the tin was returned. I thought perhaps he had transferred the cake to another container but no — in less than a week he had, by himself, eaten the entire contents of the tin. And asked if there would be any more!

That was his last Christmas with us and each year since I recall the delighted look on his face when I presented him with the cake. I have made Christmas cakes since then but each year there is always cake that goes into the freezer to be brought out at a later date. That never hap-

pened in his lifetime.

This year the cakes I baked were much less complicated than my Mother’s recipe and much easier to mix for adult arms and hands that now don’t bend and flex the way they once did.

Maybe next year that recipe will come out again as will that reliable mixing spoon that played a major part in getting the fruit and raisins and spices mixed just right.

Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel. net

From our family to yours...

Have a safe and happy holiday season!

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MOOSE JAW JAW EXPRESS.COM EXPRESS.COM –– December December 2015 2017 – Page B15 Page B26 – MOOSE

Christmas is love, with all the trimmings…

Santa’s Elves Work Tirelessly Throughout the Year

by Scott Hellings for Moose Jaw Express

Most of us believe that Christmas is a time for giving back. To do this, sometimes you need to put in the work throughout the year. No one knows this better than my parents, Larry and Dianne Hellings.

For the past five years, my mom and dad have been in charge of the Christmas store at St. Agnes School. The purpose of the store is to let every student purchase Christmas gifts for their family members. Each item costs just 25 cents.

Items are donated by staff, students, and others within the community. Some items are brand new, others are as good as new, and some are used.

My parents got involved rather unexpectedly when they found out the store was in danger of being discontinued, as no one was able to volunteer their time. My parents were quick

in answering the call. Comfortably retired, Redstone. they were happy to lend a hand. And because It can be a chaotic day but it is worth it when they regularly stopped by St. Agnes to pick up you see the kids’ excitement. or drop off the grandkids, they had gotten to Last year, I was able to volunteer my time to know many of the teachers and students. They the sale. I found it exhausting but you would did not want these kids to lose this unique op- never hear my parents complain. Instead, as portunity. they clean everything up, they are already busy After all, where else can kids get their parents, strategizing how to improve efficiencies next War siblings, or grandparents a gift for just 25 cents? year. from For some students, this is the only way they can Impressively, they started running a similar sale Holi Lyle Stewart, afford Christmas presents of any sort. at Prince ArthurMLA last year. Rather than slowing Creek They haul everything to the school and set it down, Thunder New they306-693-3229 are ramping up their efforts. It is an Phone: all up. Then the madness begins, when individ- unbelievably Fax: 306-693-3251 kind and thoughtful gesture. Wel ual classrooms start coming to the gym to se- To make the two sales a reality, my parents collect and buy their gifts. My parents handle the lect items throughout the year. It could be the money, write gift tags and wrap the presents.Email: thundercreek.mla@sasktel.net Website:of www.lylestewart.ca middle July and my dad will be out picking The last few years they have been fortunate up donations. They store these items in severenough to have the added assistance of Theresa al large plastic bins in their house. They have now amassed an impressive network of donors.

Some donate used items, while others simply give cash and ask them to buy something at the dollar store. Every bit helps.

In fact, you would be amazed to see the quality of some of the donations. It is a rather sobering thought to think we are ready to simply toss away some of these items, while the kids would not otherwise be able to afford such a luxury.

The sale is a stark reminder of the need in our community. Indeed, sometimes kids come to Tinker’s Shop the sale without any moneyWelding to spend.

My Ltd. parents make sure they still get their &gifts.

Custom Design Fabrication I am glad to finally shed a light on their efforts. I am sure there are many families in our community who Moose appreciate dedication 633-13th Avenue NE • P.O. Box 1593 Jaw,their Sk. S6H 7K7 to spreading Christmas cheer.

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Love! Peace! Joy! To you and your loved ones nes

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SUCCESS

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Moose Jaw North Constituency 326-B High Street West 306-692-8884

moosejawnorthmla@shaw.ca

TED KENNEDY, Sales Manager Moose Jaw: 693-9444 1-800-667-8173

Page B16 – MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2017

Combine loads of good wishes, heart full of love and armfuls of hugs.

Five life lessons from ‘A Christmas Carol’

When Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol was published in 1843, he likely had no idea it would be a Christmas staple nearly two centuries later. Some might see the book as only a tale about a bitter miser, Ebenezer Scrooge, who is visited on Christmas Eve by four spirits who force him to examine his selfish ways. But it’s really a story of reflection, renewal and a revitalized life. Here are five

By Bob Welch lessons from the holiday classic: pecting that the other person 1. Learning begins with lis- will die. Wrong. The victim of tening. Initially, Scrooge wants bitterness is ourselves. nothing to do with the spirits. 3. There’s joy in starting over.

But once he realizes they have Scrooge gets a bad rap. Too his best interest at heart, he much attention is paid to his willingly lets them lead. “Spirit,” mean-spiritedness and not he tells the Ghost of Christmas enough to the all-new Ebenezer.

Present, “conduct me where We see the sullen, bitter, biting Scrooge, but not the laughing, you will.”

When we listen, we learn. When giving, joyful Scrooge. we learn, we have the potential On Christmas morning, howto grow and change in ways that ever, he reminds us that starting will not only help us, but those over washes us in newness. “I’m around us. Says Proverbs 18:13: quite a baby,” he says. “Never “To answer before listening— mind, I don’t care. I’d rather be a baby.” that is folly and shame.”

2. Bitterness will poison you. People get in ruts and forget Scrooge’s nephew, Fred, is a that they needn’t stay there. wise man. It is Fred who points Scrooge’s turn-around reminds out that “the consequences me there’s hope for us all, if of (Scrooge’s) taking a dislike we’re willing to begin anew. to us, and not merry with us, 4. We must be present to win. is, I think, that he loses some On Christmas morn, one of the pleasant moments … he loses first things Scrooge does after pleasant companions.” In other realizing he’s been given a secwords, it rebuffing Fred’s invi- ond chance at life is to fling open tation to join in the Christmas his window. He moves from self merriment, it’s Scrooge who to the world at large. He notices life around him instead of only loses.

It’s been said that bitterness is himself. like swallowing poison and ex- To notice is to see. To see is to

feel. To feel is to build connections with those around us. And to build connections is to bring love to the world.

5. We need to live with the end in mind. “Oh, tell me I may sponge away the writing on that stone,” says Scrooge when the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come shows him the headstone with Ebenezer’s name on it.

The catalyst for Scrooge finally realizing he’s wasted his life on money and power is seeing that there’s an end to that life — and it’s a rather depressing end.

To live with the end in mind is to be inspired to change now.

As someone once said, the best time to plant a tree was fifty years ago but the second best time is now.

It’s a lesson that Ebenezer Scrooge teaches us well every Christmas.

Bob Welch is the author of more than 20 books, including “52 Little Lessons From ‘A Christmas Carol’’’ and “52 Little Lessons From ‘It’s a Wonderful Life.’’’

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MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2017 – Page B17

Five business lessons from ‘A Christmas Carol’ 2. Know when to cut your losses.

You know who we don’t talk enough about? Scrooge’s exfiancé, Belle. Scrooge became money-obsessed and kind of a jerk, and she saw the writing on the wall, decided to walk away and married another guy. Yes, eventually Scrooge turned it around, but let’s be honest, it would have been a long wait.

If something fails, it’s OK to give yourself permission to grieve and then move onto the next 1. Find your team.

People don’t generally change thing. You don’t need to double their ways and opinions over- down to try and salvage some- employee Bob Crachit and his family. night, but they do when the thing that isn’t working.

Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christ- 3. Mentors can be found in un- 4. It’s not all about you.

The ghost of Jacob Marley mas Yet to Come are on the expected places. case. If Scrooge’s Christmas Scrooge’s first boss Mr. Fezziwig checks in on his old business Eve adventures had only in- was a generous man, but clearly partner Scrooge to give him a volved seeing his gravestone or his influence didn’t make a big heads up about the other visieavesdropping on the party he impact on our protagonist. But tors he’ll be getting as the night never wants to go to anyway, he through his spectral tourism, goes on. Because of his calcould have brushed it off. But Scrooge is inspired to be a bet- lous and greedy behavior in the ghosts each played to their ter man by his nephew Fred, life, Marley’s afterlife finds him strengths and their combined who always invites him over for weighed down by chains. A litthe holidays even though he is tle on the nose? Certainly, but efforts made a real impact. consistently rebuffed, and the Dickens wasn’t known for his kind and resilient natures of his subtlety. The moral here is that A Christmas Carol -- the story of the penny-pinching and cruel Ebenezer Scrooge who, thanks to some ghostly intervention, wakes up on Christmas Day ready for redemption -- is 173 years old, but it still resonates today.

With the holiday season upon us, here are some lessons you can take away from the characters of Charles Dickens’s beloved tale.

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selfishness will only hold you back. In working with others and building your business, a successful entrepreneur wants to create solutions, not more problems for others.

5. Be adaptable.

What Scrooge’s story teaches us is that it’s never too late to change your mind or how you approach things. Don’t be afraid to try something new, because it could be the best thing that ever happens to you.

Page B18 – MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2017

May all your days be happy and bright and all your Christmases be white.

Christmas Riddles and Jokes Q: Who is Santa’s favorite singer?

A: Elf-is Presley.

Q: What do the elves call it when Father Christmas claps his hands at the end of a play?

A: Santapplause!

Q: What do you say to Santa when he’s taking attendance at school?

A: Present.

You know you’re getting old when Santa starts looking younger.

Q: Why does Santa have 3 gardens?

A: So he can ho-ho-ho.

Q: Why was Santa’s little helper feeling depressed?

A: Because he had low elf esteem.

Christmas: The time when everyone gets Santamental.

Q: Why did Santa bring 22 reindeer to Walmart?

A: Because what he wanted to buy cost around 20 bucks, but just in case it was more, he brought some extra doe.

Q: What kind of bike does Santa Claus ride?

A: A Holly Davidson.

Q: What nationality is Santa Claus?

A: North Polish Q: Why does Santa go down the chimney?

A: Because it soots him!

Q: What do you get if Santa goes down the chimney when a fire is lit?

A: Crisp Kringle.

Q: What’s Santa’s dog’s name?

A: Santa Paws!

Q: What’s as big as Santa but weighs nothing?

A: Santa’s shadow!

Q: Why does Santa have elves in his workshop?

A: Because the Seven Dwarfs were busy!

Q: What did Mrs. Claus say to Santa Claus when she looked up in the sky?

A: Looks like rain, dear!

The office Christmas party is a great opportunity to catch up with people you haven’t seen for 20 minutes.

Q: Where does Santa stay when he’s on vacation?

A: At a Ho-ho-ho-tel.

Q: What do you call someone who doesn’t believe in Father Christmas?

A: A rebel without a Claus.

Q: How much did Santa pay for his sleigh?

A: Nothing, it was on the house!

Q: What do you call people who are afraid of Santa Claus?

A: Claustrophobic.

I once bought my kid a set of batteries for Christmas with a note on it saying “Toys not included.”

Q: What did the reindeer say before telling his joke?

A: This one’ll sleigh you!

Q: What did Adam say the day before Christmas?

A: It’s Christmas, Eve! I tell my kids that Santa is fat because he eats the children who get up early on Christmas morning. That way, I get to sleep in.

Dear Lord, I’ve been asked, nay commanded, to thank Thee for the Christmas turkey before us... a turkey which was no doubt a lively, intelligent bird... a social being... capable of actual affection... nuzzling its young with almost human- like compassion. Anyway, it’s dead and we’re gonna eat it. Please give our respects to its family...

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Christmas cookies and happy hearts, this is how the holiday starts.

MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2017 – Page B19

This holiday season give your child

the gift of literacy

Literacy has a profound impact on our lives. Children and teenagers who love to read and take good reading skills with them to school each day have an invaluable head start on career success and personal happiness. Those burdened by poor literacy are significantly more likely to struggle.

Canadians understand the power of strong reading skills to transform lives. A recent survey exploring attitudes about literacy found nine-in-ten believe improving literacy skills will improve everyone’s quality of life, and 87 per cent think more needs to be done to improve literacy rates.

When asked about the negative outcomes of struggling with literacy: ·86 per cent believe poor literacy hinders employment opportunities ·76 per cent think it increases the likelihood of poverty, ·40 per cent believe poor literacy rates are detrimental to physical health Other studies clearly show the love of reading, not just the ability to read, is a huge predictor of school success. Conversely, children who struggle with literacy

are up to four times more likely to drop out of high school.

The holiday season is a wonderful time for parents to encourage children and teenagers to read. By creating opportunities for reading, parents can spark excitement about reading and begin laying the all-important foundation for strong literacy skills.

“Learning to read fuels a child’s imagination,” says Stephen Faul, president of Frontier College, a national charitable literacy organization. “There is no more powerful way to expand horizons, improve self-confidence and spur creativity. Simple activities to get your kids reading can have a profound impact on their future success. One of the key lessons we’ve learned from providing literacy programs to thousands of people in need each year is the crucial importance of reading from a young age.”

Frontier Collegestone soup offers these tips get your kids reading this holiday season: Establish a tradition by reading the same book each year around the holidays.

Think about what interests your children (start with their hobbies)

and find materials to read aloud (i.e. magazines, flyers, and newspaper articles).

Encourage older children to read to younger children. Both develop their reading skills through this experience.

Visit your local library and let your child choose books and materials to bring home to read.

If you are on the road visiting family and friends, encourage children to read street signs.

If your family receives greeting cards, have your children read them aloud, or help them create their own personal greeting cards and write messages to family and friends.

Ask your children to help make

a grocery list or read labels in stores.

Encourage your children to read recipes and help with the measuring and baking.

For parents, the true magic of the holidays is creating family traditions and memories that last a life time and even impact future generations. Reading and storytelling traditions offer an easy and powerful way to strengthen the fabric that binds families together and increase the chances of future happiness and success.

This holiday season give the gift of literacy. Read to your child, give them a book and plant a seed.

To learn more visit frontiercollege.ca

Page B20 – MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2017

All I need to know about life I learned from Santa ·Encourage people to believe in you. ·Always remember who’s naughty and who’s nice. ·Don’t pout. ·It’s as much fun to give as it is to receive. ·Some days it’s ok to feel a little chubby. ·Make your presents known. ·Always ask for a little bit more than what you really want. ·Bright red can make anyone look good. ·Wear a wide belt and no-one will notice how many pounds you’ve gained. ·If you only show up once a year, everyone will think you’re very important. ·Whenever you’re at a loss for words, say: “HO, HO, HO!”

A gift to remember!

“There was this quiet old janitor that worked in our office building who was scheduled to retire on Christmas, so our Christmas party kind of included his farewell; we gave gifts to each other, put up a Christmas tree, people brought cakes and pastries, Christmas stuff.

“Then here comes the old janitor and he leaves a fairly big bag of presents under the tree; we’re all kind of surprised because no one seemed to interact with him that much, but nonetheless we thank him and wished him

the best and stuff, then he leaves and presumably sets off to start his retirement. The next day, we open the presents, including his.

“Turns out, the retiring janitor gave everyone in the office a little bottle of sulfuric acid. Everybody got one, even me, I still have it. We don’t know where he got them or how much they cost, but apparently he hated our guts.

“Our new janitor has no idea why everyone is treating him so nicely.”

—Anonymous

Remember the reason for the season.

Christmas in Florida We left our home for a warmer clime nine months ago today And though it’s very nice indeed I really have to say: The weather’s warm and balmy, the ocean’s terrific too, But it doesn’t seem like Christmas without a storm or two.

I don’t know how to catch the mood, it isn’t here quite yet; I see the decorations, but the criteria’s just not met: There is no cold, there is no snow, there are no howling winds There is no shoveling at all, no extension cord plug ins.

The birds are singing sweetly, it really doesn’t seem At all like winter has arrived when everything is green.

In place of snow you see instead a colorful array Of flowers blooming everywhere, in fact it seems like May. Can you imagine Christmas without a chilly chill?

Imagine how the windows look with no frost upon the sill.

I know you think it strange indeed that I should think like this Please understand I’m homesick and it’s Canada I miss!

J. H. Klotz c. 2001 This was an early poem I wrote for Christmas, but it truly reflects how I felt that first Christmas that we moved down to Florida from the cold northern province of Alberta. How dearly I missed my home in Canada and to be absolutely honest, though I enjoy sunny Florida, I still miss the country of my birth, Canada.

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Christmas and a Happy New Year

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202017 - 26, 2012 Page C26 B22 –– MOOSE MOOSEJAW JAWEXPRESS.COM EXPRESS.COM– –December December

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A Christmas Devotion: Follow the Star do?� The Captain didn’t know what to do off-hand but he assured him in a few minutes he would know.

The Captain walked out into the darkness and looked up to heaven and asked the Lord what to do. He remembered when his mother would pray about everything. Whenever

by Wanda Smith the family was in a tough way, As another year draws to a she began to pray. God would close, you may be filled with always give her wisdom for questions and uncertainty for what to do. She would encourwhat 2018 may hold. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s age her son to pray and allow a true story of a captain who God to guide him and show had been trying to make ra- him what to do. So, the Capdio contact with his men out tain took to praying and imon the evening patrol and they mediately knew what to do. He *M[\ .]VVa were long overdue. Finally, his called his lieutenant back and +PZQ[\UI[ <ZQ^QI young lieutenant was able to asked him if he knew Jesus. He radio in to his captain from the said he did. So he asked him Â&#x2021; $FFRUGLQJ WR D VXUYH\ RXW dense Vietnamese jungle. He if he knew the story of followRI %ULWLVK GRJV JHW &KULVW was quiet andPDV JLIWV IURP WKHLU GRWLQJ serious as he re- ing the star. The young man asked, â&#x20AC;&#x153;You mean, the BethleRZQHUV layed the problem. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Captain, Â&#x2021; 1HYHU ZRUU\ DERXW WKH VL]H the enemy has us surrounded. hem Star?â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yes,â&#x20AC;? the captain RI \RXU &KULVWPDV WUHH ,Q WKH Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re monitoring our every replied. â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;Then listen closely...

H\HV RI FKLOGUHQ WKH\ DUH DOO move and are listening to every- that direction is your way out.

IHHW WDOO

thing we are saying. No matter Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going to form a horseshoe. /DUU\ :LOGH what direction I go, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll get The direction of that star is the hammered. ...what am I gonna mouth of the horseshoe. Start

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walking into the mouth of the horseshoe and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be there.

Are you ready to go?â&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Yes sir.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Then head for the star.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; The patrol began walking east toward the direction of the Bethlehem Star. The Captain laid down a wall of fire as the lieutenant and his men moved safely out of harmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s way. The plan was a success. No one from the patrol was hurt or killed. God revealed the answer as the Captain prayed in the Spirit. To the enemy, it was a mystery, hidden in plain sight. To the men of that patrol, the Bethlehem Star, that night, was their light and their salvation. ...the direction they needed for their deliverance.â&#x20AC;? (author unknown) That Bethlehem Star was what led the Three Wisemen in the way they needed to go. That is what God wants for us. He wants us to follow that light... the light of His love. His heart for us is to â&#x20AC;&#x153;give a future and a hope.â&#x20AC;? Allow HOPE to arise in your heart today, and allow His Spirit to show you what is

to come. Believe that He will give you wisdom to know what steps to take and which direction to go, in Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; name. This next year, 2018, is going to be your best year yet! God is at your side, guiding and directing you, ever present to aid in whatever you need! He has already been to your future and knows what awaits. Just lean in and listen... take the narrow gate and you will find your way! â&#x20AC;&#x153;I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.â&#x20AC;?

Scripture reference: Psalm 32:8

MOOSE MOOSE JAW JAW EXPRESS.COM EXPRESS.COM –– December December 2017 2015 –– Page Page B23 B33

Oh, Christmas tree! Oh Christmas tree!

Christmas Greetings Special Edition

‘Twas the Month After Christmas

Season A Letter to Santa from Mom ‘Tis theHere’s Your Reason Dear Santa,

I’ve been a good mom all year. I’ve fed, cleaned and cuddled my two children on demand, visited the doctor’s office more than my doctor, sold sixty-two cases of candy bars to raise money to plant a shade tree on the school playground and figured out how to attach nine patches onto my daughter’s girl scout with staples andthrough a glue gun.

Twas the month after sash Christmas and all the house I was hoping you could spread my list out over several Nothing would fit me, not even a blouse. Christmases, since I had write this with the my eggnog son’s redI’crayon, Thetocookies I’dletter nibbled, d taste. on the back of a receipt All in the between cycles, knows when I’ll thelaundry holidayroom parties had gone toand my who waist. find anymore free time in the next 18 years.

When I got on the scales there arose such a number!

Here are my Christmas wishes: When I walked to the store (less a walk than a lumber).

I’d like a pair of legs that don’t ache after a day of chasing kids (in any I’d remember the marvelous meals I’d prepared; color, except purple, which I already have) and arms that don’t flap in The gravies and sauces and beef nicely rared, the breeze but are strong enough to carry a screaming toddler out of the Theaisle wine the rumstore. balls,I’dthe bread the since cheese candy in and the grocery also like and a waist, I lost mine And the way I’ d never said, “No thank you, please. ” somewhere in the seventh month of my last pregnancy. If you’re hauling I dressed myself inamy old shirt big ticketAs items this year, I’d like car husband’s with fingerprint resistant windows And prepared once again to do battle with dirt doesn’t — and a radio that only plays adult music; a television that broadI said to myself, as I only can cast any programs containing talking animals; and a refrigerator with a “You can’t spend a winter disguised a man!” secret compartment behind the crisper where as I can hide to talk on the phone. So–away with the last of the sour cream dip, rid ofside, theIfruitcake, cracker anddoll chipthat says, "Yes, On the Get practical could use every a talking daughter Every last bit food that I like must bewith banished Mommy" to boost myofparental confi dence, along one potty-trained Tillkids all the have vanished. toddler, two whoadditional don’t fightounces and three pairs of jeans that will zip all the way up without the use of power tools.

I could also use a recording of I won’t have a cookie–not even a lick.

Tibetan monks chanting, the living I’ll want only to"Don’t chew eat on in a long celeryroom" stick.and ‘Take your hands off your brother, ’ because my or voice seems to be I won’t have hot biscuits, corn bread, orjust pie,out of my children’s hearing range and can only be heard by the dog.

I’ll munch on a carrot and quietly cry. And please don’t forget the Pack, theand hottest stocking I’mPlaydoh hungry,Travel I’m lonesome, life is a bore stuff — er this year for mothers of But preschoolers.

It comes in three fl uorescent colors and is isn’t that what January is for? guaranteed to Unable crumbleto ongiggle, any carpet making the in-laws’ house seem no longer a riot. just like Happy mine. IfNew it’s too latetotoallfind products, Year andany to of allthese a good diet! I’d settle for

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enough time to brush my teeth and comb my hair in the same morning, or the luxury of eating food warmer than room temperature without it being served in a Styrofoam container. If you don’t mind, I could also use a few Christmas miracles to brighten the holiday season. Would it be too much trouble to declare ketchup a vegetable? It will clear my conscience immensely. It would be helpful if you could coerce my children to help around the house without demanding payment as if they were the bosses of an organized crime family; or if my toddler didn’t look so cute sneaking downstairs to eat contraband ice cream in his pajamas at Expires 1/13/18 midnight.

Well, Santa, the buzzer on the dryer is ringing and my son saw my feet under the laundry roomCardio door.Training I think he wantsResults his crayon back. Have • Interval Circuit High • Quick a safe trip and remember to leave your wet boots the chimney • Tanning &bySauna • Designed for Women Available and come in and dry off by the fire so you don’t a cold. Help yourself • All catch • Full-Body Workout in 30 Minutes Ages and Fitness Levels to cookies on the table but don’t eat too many or leave crumbs on the • Day Spa Services Onsite • Personal Training & Classes carpet.

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y r r e M CHRISTMAS from the Board of Directors, Management and Staff.

Page B24 – MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2017

Being together is the best gift of all.

Merry Christmas

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A Visit on Christmas Eve 1943 Two days under attack on the 21st and 22 nd of December 1943 near Nowgorodka in the Ukraine had so decimated our 7 th Parachute Regiment 2 that only about 35 to 40 men could celebrate Christmas. Supplies, including even branded goods for the the entire Company (170 men), had been ordered several days previously and had been duly delivered. So we were very well provided for.

About ten men from the 4th Unit had been billeted in a ‘Kate’. We sat gloomily on our straw bedding and thought about the high number of casualties at Nowgorodka. Every one of us had lost good friends. Outside a cold snowstorm was blowing and near the warm stove in our hut in Nowo-Ukrainika it was quite comfortable.

Suddenly a door creaked and out of the next room came an elderly Russian woman with two little girls between five and seven years of age holding her hands. Wrapped up in thick clothes and head scarves they looked anxiously at us. Our make do Christmas tree decorated with cotton wool, foot powder, and fairy lights aroused the curiosity

of the children. They placed little baskets on the side of the stove. In them was some bread and some maize cakes. Near them the grandmother placed a wooden dish on which she had put cucumbers and tomatoes as well as a jug of milk. With her toothless mouth she muttered some words which we did not understand but we knew what she meant.

As if by command a tent tray was put on the floor and from our well stocked gift table each one of us spread out on it sausages, butter, biscuits, chocolates, sugar, tins of meat and other things. We were so happy that we could give presents to somebody and by so doing to become children ourselves again.

We joked with Granny and the children until, all of a sudden, our Christmas carol, ‘Silent Night’ (‘Stille Nacht’) was heard. Max Lang was playing it on his mouth organ and we sang it with him, quietly at first then more loudly. But then we gradually sang less and less loudly because the emotion had brought a lump to every throat. And Granny cried too. What had she been thinking about?

Where were the father and the mother of the children?

Four of our men brought our presents for Granny into the next room. She and the children would be well stocked up for several days. And we too had had a happy Christmas Eve which the Russian Granny and her grandchildren had given to us.

For a little while we had forgotten war and death and for a few hours had found peace.

Every Christmas Eve I think of our guests in the Russian encampment for whom at the time we had been uninvited guests but by whom we had been treated as friends.

By Rudolf Müller in the book: ‘Unter den Sternen – Weihnachtsgeschichten aus schwerer Zeit’ (‘Under the Stars ‑ Christmas Stories from a Hard Time’)published

by Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge (the German War Graves Foundation), Werner‑Hilpert‑Str. 2, D‑3412 Kassel, 2nd edition, 2007.

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MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2017 – Page B25

A Politically Correct Christmas Poem T’was the night before Christmas and Santa’s a wreck…

How to live in a world that’s politically correct?

His workers no longer would answer to “Elves”.

“Vertically Challenged” they were calling themselves.

And labour conditions at the North Pole were alleged by the union to stifle the soul.

Four reindeer had vanished, without much propriety, Released to the wilds by the Humane Society.

And equal employment had made it quite clear That Santa had better not use just reindeer.

So Dancer and Donner, Comet and Cupid Were replaced with 4 pigs, and you know that looked stupid!

The runners had been removed from his sleigh; The ruts were termed dangerous by the E.P.A. And people had started to call for the cops When they heard sled noises on their rooftops.

Second-hand smoke from his pipe had his workers quite frightened.

His fur trimmed red suit was called “Unenlightened.”

And to show you the strangeness of life’s ebbs and flows, Rudolf was suing over unauthorised use of his nose And had gone on Geraldo, in front of the nation, Demanding millions in over-due compensation.

So, half of the reindeer were gone; and his wife, Who suddenly said she’d enough of this life, Joined a self-help group, packed, and left in a whiz, Demanding from now on her title was Ms. And as for the gifts, why, he’d never had a notion That making a choice could cause so much commotion.

Nothing of leather, nothing of fur, Which meant nothing for him. And nothing for her.

Nothing that might be construed to pollute.

Nothing to aim, Nothing to shoot.

Nothing that clamoured or made lots of noise.

Nothing for just girls, or just for the boys.

Nothing that claimed to be gender specific.

Nothing that’s warlike or non-pacifistic.

No candy or sweets…they were bad for the tooth.

Nothing that seemed to embellish a truth.

And fairy tales, while not yet forbidden, Were like Ken and Barbie, better off hidden.

For they raised the hackles of those psychological Who claimed the only good gift was one ecological.

No baseball, no football…someone could get hurt; Besides, playing sports exposed kids to dirt.

Dolls were said to be sexist, and should be passe; And Nintendo would rot your entire brain away.

So Santa just stood there, dishevelled, perplexed; He just could not figure out what to do next.

He tried to be merry, tried to be gay, But you’ve got to be careful with that word today.

His sack was quite empty, limp to the ground; Nothing fully acceptable was to be found.

Something special was needed, a gift that he might Give to all without angering the left or the right.

A gift that would satisfy, with no indecision, Each group of people, every religion; Every ethnicity, every hue, Everyone, everywhere…even you.

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Free Classifi â&#x20AC;&#x201C;classifiJAW eds@mjvexpress.com Page B26 eds â&#x20AC;&#x201C; MOOSE EXPRESS.COM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; December 2017

MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; December - 26,a 2012 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Page C15 Save 20 Santa trip: be naughty.

All I need to know about life I learned from a snowman Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s okay if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a little bottom heavy.

Hold your ground, even when the heat is on.

Wearing white is always appropriate.

Winter is the best of the four seasons.

It takes a few extra rolls to make a good midsection.

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nothing better than a foul weather friend.

The key to life is to be a jolly, happy soul.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not the size of the carrot, but the %\ &KULVWLQD 5LWFKLH placement that counts.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re all made up of mostly water.

0HPEHU RI 3UDLULH 3HQV You know youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve made it when they write a song about you.

Accessorize! Accessorize! Accessorize!

6R ZKDW LV LW" Avoid yellow snow. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get too much sun. &DQ \RX WHOO PH" Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s embarrassing when you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t look down and see your feet. /RRN DURXQG DQG \RX ZLOO VHH Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fun to hang out in your front yard. ,W LV WKH VPLOH Always put your best foot forward. RQ HYHU\ JLUO DQG ER\ Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no stopping you once youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on aDV WKH\ EULQJ DERXW MR\ roll.

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Holiday hours

REGULAR SERVICEto the end of December NO SERVICE Regular service through 23. No Service Through to the24 end of Sunday December December 26 24 incluthrough to Sunday December through to Tuesday December 23 Tuesday December 26 sive. Regular service December 27 through to Decemberinclusive 30.

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MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2017 – Page B27

Love’s the thing. The rest is tinsel.

The First Christmas Gifts

Legends descending from the Bible are told of three Kings that brought gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrhh to Jesus. This is how they are often described: Gaspar (or Caspar), who has brown hair and a brown beard (or no beard!) and wears a green cloak and a gold crown with green jewels on it. He is the King of Sheba. Gaspar represents the Frankincense brought to Jesus.

Melchior, who has long white hair and a white beard and wears a gold cloak. He is the King of Arabia. Melchior represents the Gold brought to Jesus.

Balthazar, who has black skin and a black beard (or no beard!) and wears a purple cloak. He is the King of Tarse and Egypt. Balthazar represents the gift of Myrrh that was brought to Jesus.

Christmas gifts… What do we do with gold, frankincense and myrrh?

by Sarah Graham We know them best as the props of childhood nativity plays, but gold, frankincense and myrrh long pre-date the birth of a baby in a manger. Once prized by ancient civilisations, the wise men’s iconic offerings were all hugely valuable and significant at the time of the Christmas story.

Gold is believed to symbolise Jesus’ kingship, frankincense represented his divinity and myrrh, which was used by the Ancient Egyptians for embalming mummies, foretold his death. So how have history’s most famous Christmas gifts fared since the nativity 2,000 years ago? Today gold remains a gift fit for a king.. At times of uncertainty, the value of gold tends to rise because people lose faith in paper money. Gold is still most commonly used for ornamentation and jewellery and as a store of value. ‘It’s often given at weddings and christenings, so there’s some continuity there from the birth of Christ.’ Jewellery today accounts for almost 80 per cent of the 2,500 tonnes of gold that is mined every year, but the precious metal isn’t just for romantic surprises on Christmas day – gold also appears in many of your electronic gifts.

First used for jewellery in 2600 BC, gold has stood the test of time thanks to its unique combination of properties. Its golden colour, high density and malleability are what have continued to make it such a highly sought-after precious metal. It also doesn’t tarnish and that’s the key thing – it’s very resistant to chemical change, which is why since antiquity it’s been viewed as a special substance. That and its colour made it very unique in terms of what the ancients had available.

Frankincense and myrrh, the lesser known of the wise men’s gifts, retain many of their biblical uses. The fragrant plant resins, extracted from trees across dry areas of Africa and Arabia, are used for incense or distilled to produce essential oils for aromatherapy.

The use of the resins has changed little in thousands of years. They continue to be used for incense in religious practices of all types, from Christian to pagan. In ancient times, frankincense and myrrh were commonly used as medicines and have continued to be used across the world to treat a whole host of ailments. Some herbalists use the tincture [of myrrh] – which is just the resin dissolved in alcohol – for things such as gum infections and mouth ulcers. It tastes awful though. There has been research on some types of myrrh on its anti-inflammatory activity used as an internal medicine. In many parts of the world, myrrh has been traditionally viewed as a cure-all for congestion, cuts, aches and pains because of its antiseptic and anaesthetic properties.

Frankincense, on the other hand, has been the subject of much more

medical research. It has been proven to be anti-inflammatory but also fractions from the resin have been tested for anti-tumour actions.

The bitter-tasting resin has also been traditionally used to treat colds, wounds, headaches and even psychological disorders such as anxiety, or chewed as gum to strengthen teeth and aid digestion. In some parts of the world, students leave frankincense resin in water overnight and then drink it before exams, in a bid to capitalise from its apparent memory-enhancing effects. Although there are no conclusively proven medicinal effects of either resin, there have been a number of recent studies into their possible medical uses. Clinical trials, described as ‘encouraging but not compelling’, looked at the use of frankincense to treat asthma, arthritis and Crohn’s disease. One study, conducted in 2010, even suggested frankincense could hold the key to curing cancer, because of an agent within the resin that appears to stop cancer spreading.

Myrrh has also been linked with modern medical treatments, with scientists in recent years suggesting that myrrh may help lower cholesterol levels and that a substance in the plant could be used to treat certain cancers.

Frankincense is more widely used than myrrh, which could indicate that more people have seen its significance as a medicine. One area of research is on the effect of ‘invigorating’ frankincense perfume on mood and well-being. Its use in aromatherapy is quite interesting, but there are issues around the supply chain.

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Page B28 – MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2017

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Leo Tolstoy (1828 – 1910) was a Russian writer who is regarded as one of the greatest authors of all time. Born to an aristocratic Russian family in 1828, he is best known for the novels War and Peace (1869) and Anna Karenina(1877).

Papa Panov’s Special Christmas

By Leo Tolstoy

It was Christmas Eve and although it was still afternoon, lights had begun to appear in the shops and houses of the little Russian village, for the short winter day was nearly over. Excited children scurried indoors and now only muffled sounds of chatter and laughter escaped from closed shutters.

Old Papa Panov, the village shoemaker, stepped outside his shop to take one last look around.

The sounds of happiness, the bright lights and the faint but delicious smells of Christmas cooking reminded him of past Christmas times when his wife had still been alive and his own children little. Now they had gone. His usually cheerful face, with the little laughter wrinkles behind the round steel spectacles, looked sad now. But he went back indoors with a firm step, put up the shutters and set a pot of coffee to heat on the charcoal stove. Then, with a sigh, he settled in his big armchair.

Papa Panov did not often read, but tonight he pulled down the big old family Bible and, slowly tracing the lines with one forefinger, he read again the Christmas story. He read how Mary and Joseph, tired by their journey to Bethlehem, found no room for them at the inn, so that Mary’s little baby was born in the cowshed.

“Oh, dear, oh, dear!” exclaimed Papa Panov, “if only they had come here! I would have given them my bed and I could have covered the baby with my patchwork quilt to keep him warm.”

He read on about the wise men who had come to see the baby Jesus, bringing him splendid gifts. Papa Panov’s face fell. “I have no gift that I could give him,” he thought sadly.

Then his face brightened. He put down the Bible, got up and stretched his long arms to the shelf high up in his little room. He took down a small, dusty box and opened it. Inside was a perfect pair of tiny leather shoes. Papa Panov smiled with satisfaction. Yes, they were as good as he had remembered -- the best shoes he had ever made. “I should give him those,” he decided, as he gently put them away and sat down again.

He was feeling tired now, and the further he read the sleepier he became. The print began to dance before his eyes so that he closed them, just for a minute. In no time at all Papa Panov was fast asleep.

And as he slept he dreamed. He dreamed that someone was in his room and he knew at once, as one does in dreams, who the person was. It was Jesus.

“You have been wishing that you could see me, Papa Panov.” he said kindly, “then look for me tomorrow. It will be Christmas Day and I will visit you. But look carefully, for I shall not tell you who I am.”

When at last Papa Panov awoke, the bells were ringing out and a thin light was filtering through the shutters. “Bless my soul!” said Papa Panov.

“It’s Christmas Day!” He stood up and stretched himself for he was rather stiff. Then his face filled with happiness as he remembered his dream. This would be a very special Christmas after all, for Jesus was coming to visit him. How would he look? Would he be a little baby, as at that first Christmas? Would he be a grown man, a carpenter -- or the great King that he is, God’s Son? He must watch carefully the whole day through so that he recognized him however he came.

Papa Panov put on a special pot of coffee for his Christmas breakfast, took down the shutters and looked out of the window. The street was deserted, no one was stirring yet. No one except the road sweeper. He looked as miserable and dirty as ever, and well he might! Whoever wanted to work on Christmas Day -- and in the raw cold and bitter freezing mist of such a morning?

Papa Panov opened the shop door, letting in a thin stream of cold air. “Come in!” he shouted across the street cheerily. “Come in and have some hot coffee to keep out the cold!”

The sweeper looked up, scarcely able to believe his ears. He was only too glad to put down his broom and come into the warm room. His old clothes steamed gently in the heat of the stove and he clasped both red hands round the comforting warm mug as he drank.

Papa Panov watched him with satisfaction, but every now and then his eyes strayed to the win-

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MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2017 – Page B29

Joy is not in things; it is in us.

dow. It would never do to miss his special visi- mind. He remembered the little shoes he had tor. looked at last night. But he had been keeping “Expecting someone?” the sweeper asked at those for Jesus. He looked again at the cold little last. So Papa Panov told him about his dream. feet and made up his mind.

“Well, I hope he comes,” the sweeper said, “Try these on her,” he said, handing the baby “You’ve given me a bit of Christmas cheer I and the shoes to the mother. The beautiful little never expected to have. I’d say you deserve to shoes were a perfect fit. The girl smiled happily have your dream come true.” And he actually and the baby gurgled with pleasure. smiled.

“You have been so kind to us,” the girl said, When he had gone, Papa Panov put on cab- when she got up with her baby to go. “May all bage soup for his dinner, then went to the door your Christmas wishes come true!” again, scanning the street. He saw no one. But But Papa Panov was beginning to wonder if his he was mistaken. Someone was coming. very special Christmas wish would come true.

The girl walked so slowly and quietly, hugging Perhaps he had missed his visitor? He looked the walls of shops and houses, that it was a while anxiously up and down the street. There were before he noticed her. She looked very tired plenty of people about but they were all faces and she was carrying something. As she drew that he recognized. There were neighbors gonearer he could see that it was a baby, wrapped ing to call on their families. They nodded and Christmas Greetings Special Edition in a thin shawl. There was such sadness in her smiled and wished him Happy Christmas! Or face and in the pinched little face of the baby, beggars -- and Papa Panov hurried indoors to that Papa Panov’s heart went out to them. fetch them hot soup and a generous hunk of “Won’t you come in,” he called, stepping out- bread, hurrying out again in case he missed the side to meet them. “You both need a warm seat Important Stranger. by the fire and a rest.”

All too soon the winter dusk fell. When Papa The young mother let him shepherd her in- Panov next went to the door and strained his doors and to the comfort of the armchair. She eyes, he could no longer make out the passersgave a big sigh of relief. by. Most were home and indoors by now any“I’ll warm some milk for the baby,” Papa Panov way. He walked slowly back into his room at weather, en setting to unthaw said, “I’veoft had childrena fiofremy own -- Ithe canfrozen feed ground last, putand upjust thebeing shutters, and sat down wearily of there throughout thethe family’s grief journey. her for you. ” He took milk from the stove in his armchair.

75 years later,fed thethe details have changed, but the dedicated availability and carefully baby from a spoon, warmSo it had been just a dream after all. Jesus had continues as ever. ing her tiny feet by the stove at the same time. not come.

Our motto the” the Heart of thesaid.

Community with aThen Heart the Com“She needs “In shoes, cobbler allfor at once he knew that he was no longer munity” is replied, each of “I our staff ’s desire. to in bethe part of the But the girl can’t afford shoes,We I’veare gotproud alone room.

Jones Team and are proud make Moose Home. no husband to bring hometomoney.

I’m onJaw myourThis was not dream for he was wide awake. At 45 years ago, we established the fi rst Crematorium in Sasway to the next village to get work.” first heSouthern seemed to see before his eyes the long katchewan at Resthaven/Sunset We were one of the who first had come to him that day.

A sudden thought flashed throughCemetery.

Papa Panov’s stream of people Funeral Homes to have a Full time Grief Continued Care and Funeral Service Facilitator. We had the First Funeral Home website www.wjjonesandson.com in the province and Canada, and our annual Memorial Tree Planting Program has seen more than 10,000 trees planted.

Over the years, we have been honoured to have served over 19,000 plus families in their time of need.

Our company has been recognized by the community in many ways; as well, many of the staff have been honoured with awards. Some of our individual staff members in our Funeral Association have been involved provincially, contributing to establish a New Provincial Gov’t Act, overseeing the education program for students learning to be a Funeral Director, and helping to create the first Crematorium Council in Canada. Through the years, W J Jones has had students who apprenticed, while others have chosen to remain right here and carry on the Jones Tradition. But all of us have learned the gift of helping others in their sorrow, from the best teachers around.

I know for a fact that Grandpa Jones and Irwin would be pleased…. www.bhgmj.ca And I know that those of SIGNATURE us who continue the tradition “ARE” Thankful! And again at Christmas, this is a suitable(306) time to692-9999 share these sentiSERVICE ments, as we reflect on the past 75 years of service. Thank you to the people of Moose Jaw and area!

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He saw again the old road sweeper, the young mother and her baby and the beggars he had fed. As they passed, each whispered, “Didn’t you see me, Papa Panov?”

“Who are you?” he called out, bewildered.

Then another voice answered him. It was the voice from his dream -- the voice of Jesus.

“I was hungry and you fed me,” he said.

“I was naked and you clothed me. I was cold and you warmed me. I came to you today in everyone of those you helped and welcomed.”

Then all was quiet and still. Only the sound of the big clock ticking. A great peace and happiness seemed to fill the room, overflowing Papa Panov’s heart until he wanted to burst out singing and laughing and dancing with joy.

“So he did come after all!” was all that he said.

Page B30 – MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2017

May the magic of Christmas warm your heart.

Thank You

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Coping with Loneliness at Christmas

Feeling low this Christmas season?

You’re not alone. Amid cheery songs, festive parties, gifts and good wishes, many lonely people are crying or dying on the inside.

Maybe you’re one of them.

No fun.

Romantic estrangement, family strife, and bereavement can make your holidays dismal. One of Elvis Presley’s most popular songs was “Blue Christmas.” A lonely crooner mourns heartbreaking lost love.

Performers from The Beach Boys to Celine Dion, Loretta Lynn, and Jon Bon Jovi have recorded it. Does even thinking about that song make you depressed? Several factors can produce Christmas

blues: Hectic activity can bring physical and emotional stress; overspending can produce financial pressure; and year-end reflection and focus on loss can magnify sorrow.

Over eating and over drinking combined with a decreased amount of sleep is also a formula for extreme emotional swings.

Is your family apart this season by necessity or choice? Maybe an “empty chair” reminds you of your pain. Does Christmas “Ho, Ho, Ho” contrast with your deep anguish?

One widow recalled how she felt during the Christmas after her husband’s death: “Little mattered

to me. I didn’t want to hear carols. I didn’t want to be cheered up. I didn’t want to look at perky Christmas cards. I wanted the same thing I’d wanted every day for eight months: the strength to force myself out of bed in the morning, to brush my teeth and to eat.”

How can you cope with Christmas loneliness?

Here are some suggestions: ·Spend time with people, especially positive ones who lift your spirits. Perhaps you’ll be grateful for their cheer. ·Exercise regularly. Blood pumping can help clear your mind. ·Eat right. Chocaholics beware.

Overindulgence can mean tempo-

Season’s Greetings!

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rary highs followed by disappointing flab. ·Lights on! Enjoy sunlight, outdoors if possible. Brighten up your home and workplace. Light therapy sometimes helps SAD. ·Budget your gift spending and stick with your budget. Prevent January bill shock. ·Talk about your feelings. Keeping them bottled up can mean anxiety, ulcers, sour disposition, and/or explosion. Need a trusted, listening friend? Try a local church. ·Give to others. Volunteer.. ·Seek counsel. We all can use good advice navigating life’s storms. ·Develop spiritual roots.

By Rusty Wright

MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2017 – Page B31

I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.

A Misplaced Wraith

Page B32 – MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2015

By Irene Grobowski - submitted

Christmas Greetings Special Edition

Merry Christmas

Can you name the Christmas song from the overly verbose descriptions below?

Since I am rather a gregarious fellow, I had spent Christmas Eve obliging friends by accepting invitations for an evening of conversation and eggnog. So I was rather later than usual in getting and a Happy New Year!

Apply ornamental decorative thechimes house’s to1.bed.

Usually I sleep very well butitems just astothe of connective the clock passage ways. began to strike the midnight hour my eyes flew open. There was Towaft make tinkling sounds, hollow a2. cool of clinking air acrossormy face and besideusing my bed was objects, a scruffytypically made of metal and edges having the shape of a deep inverted cup widening urchin whose seemed to fade into a haze.

I blinked several at the lip, that GENERAL MANAGER sounds a clear musical note when struck, typically by means of a clapper intimes but nothing changed. side. of Dickens! A Christmas ghost!” I exclaimed.

“Shades “No,” came the aggrieved reply. “I am a Hallowe’en haunt.”

3. My parent’s mother was involved in an unexpected trampling incident with “Oh, pardon me, now that I look more closely I see that you do fit an antlered creature of the genus Rangifer. that role much better with that greenish tint of complexion.”

With more than awith hintmy of pride, he announced can also do 4. I witnessed own eyes my mother“Iengaged in this” an embrace with an asoverweight he slowly faded intoman a typical I thought bearded in a spook. red snow suit. this demonstration warranted an extra compliment as well as a question, “Then why are you here?”

5. Bestowing an emotion of great delight or happiness on the 3rd celestial body “A onsun. my part put me in the right place but at defiin miscalculation orbit around the nitely the wrong time and I need your assistance.”

In I queried, “How in theofworld I supposed to shape do 6. amazement Hollow objects, typically made metalam and having the of a deep inverted cup how widening themiscalculate? lip, that sounds clear musical that?

Further, could at you Werea you toying withnote when struck, typically by means of a clapper inside made from a white, ductile metallic elemagic?” ment atomic symbol Ag. At this,with the the mischievous boy, forofso I had begun to consider him, sputtered with laughter, “Magic! That’s for witches and elves. I was A school complete of sound time from sunset in7.the lab absence experimenting withduring qua….the ” His voice trailed off to sunrise. as a scintilla of sparks coalesced into a professor in full regalia 8. A period one and 5/7th weeks revolving around the winter scholarly robe,ofpince-nez and mortarboard.

“Rather pretentious. ” holiday celebrated on the 25th day of December.

I thought, only to have this new arrival frown at my night attire of monogram embroidered long gown and state somewhat severely, 9. It is our sincerest desire for you to experience a December 25th full of cheer“You should talk.” Distinctly taken aback by his acuity, I kept sifulness and gaiety. lent wincing in sympathy as he grabbed his student by the ear and declared, then, Iyoung time for a few lessons how 10. The“Now only thing desirefellow, to acquire on the 25th day on of December is a pair of not to play with time and space. ” processes attached to the forward section of my jaw serving for the mastication And before I could speak, they were gone. Christmas morning of food. found me wide-awake pondering the remark about “right place, wrong time” and that abrupt pause in “qua…”. My hope is that All Hallows Eve will bring that adventurous spirit back. I have questions. Many questions.

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Page B32 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; December 2017

Enjoy the holly days!

Christmas Tree

This is the story of how the fir tree became the Christmas tree.

At the time when the Christ Child was born all the people, the animals, and the trees and plants were very happy. The Child was born to bring peace and happiness to the whole world. People came daily to see the little One, and they always brought gifts with them.

Christmas Greetings Special Edition There were three trees standing near the crypt which saw the people, and they wished that they, too, might give presents to the Christ Child.

The Palm said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I will choose my most beautiful leaf, and place it as a fan over the Child.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;And I,â&#x20AC;? said the Olive, â&#x20AC;&#x153;will sprinkle sweet-smelling oil upon His head.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;What can I give to the Child?â&#x20AC;? asked the Fir, who stood near. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You!â&#x20AC;? cried the others. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You have nothing to offer Him. Your needles would prick Him, and your tears are sticky.â&#x20AC;?

So the poor little Fir tree was very unhappy, and it said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yes, you are right. I have nothing to offer the Christ Child.â&#x20AC;?

Now, quite near the trees stood the Christmas Angel, whohadheardallthatthetrees had said. TheAngel was sorry for the Fir tree who was so lowly and without envy of the other trees. So, when it was

dark, and the stars came out, he begged a few of the little stars to come down and rest upon the branches of the Fir tree. They did as the Christmas Angel asked, and the Fir tree shone suddenly with a beautiful light.

And, at that very moment, the Christ Child opened His eyesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;for He had been asleepâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and as the lovely MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; December 2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Page B35 lightfelluponHimHesmiled.

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The Christmas Truce

by David G. Stratman

It was December 25, 1914, only 5 months into World War I. German, British, and French soldiers, already sick and tired of the senseless killing, disobeyed their superiors and fraternized with “the enemy” along two-thirds of the Western Front (a crime punishable by death in times of war). German troops held Christmas trees up out of the trenches with signs, “Merry Christmas.”

“You no shoot, we no shoot.” Thousands of troops streamed across a no-man’s land strewn with rotting corpses. They sang Christmas carols, exchanged photographs of loved ones back home, shared rations, played football, even roasted some pigs. Soldiers embraced men they had been trying to kill a few short hours before. They agreed to warn each other if the top brass forced them to fire their weapons, and to aim high.

A shudder ran through the high command on either side. Here was disaster in the making: soldiers declaring their brotherhood with each other and refusing to fight. Generals on both sides declared this spontaneous peacemaking to be treasonous and subject to court martial. By March 1915 the fraternization movement had been eradicated and the killing machine put back in full operation. By the time of the armistice in 1918, fifteen million would be slaughtered.

Not many people have heard the story of the Christmas Truce. On Christmas Day, 1988, a story in the Boston Globe mentioned that a local FM radio host played “Christmas in the Trenches,” a ballad about the Christmas Truce, several times and was startled by the effect. The song became the most requested recording during the holidays in Boston on several FM stations. “Even more startling than the number of requests I get is the reaction to the ballad afterward by callers who hadn’t heard it before,” said the radio host. “They telephone me deeply moved, sometimes in tears, asking, ‘What the hell did I just hear?’ “ You can probably guess why the callers were in tears. The Christmas Truce story goes against most of what we have been taught about people.

It gives us a glimpse of the world as we wish it could be and says, “This really happened once.” It reminds us of those thoughts we keep hidden away, out of range of the TV and newspaper stories that tell us how trivial and mean human life is. It is like hearing that our deepest wishes really are true: the world really could be different.

Christmas in The Trenches This song is based on a true story from the front lines of World War I that I’ve heard many times. Ian Calhoun, a Scot, was the commanding officer of the British forces involved in the story.

He was subsequently court-martialed for ‘consorting with the enemy’ and sentenced to death. Only George V spared him from that fate.

- John McCutcheon My name is Francis Tolliver. I come from Liverpool.

Two years ago the war was waiting for me after school.

To Belgium and to Flanders, to Germany to here, I fought for King and country I love dear.

It was Christmas in the trenches where the frost so bitter hung.

The frozen field of France were still, no Christmas song was sung.

Our families back in England were toasting us that day, their brave and glorious lads so far away.

I was lyin’ with my mess-mates on the cold and rocky ground when across the lines of battle came a most peculiar sound.

Says I “Now listen up me boys”, each soldier strained to hear as one young German voice sang out so clear.

“He’s singin’ bloddy well you know”, my partner says to me.

Soon one by one each German voice joined in in harmony.

The cannons rested silent. The gas cloud rolled no more as Christmas brought us respite from the war.

As soon as they were finished a reverent pause was spent.

‘God rest ye merry, gentlemen’ struck up some lads from Kent.

The next they sang was ‘Stille Nacht”. “Tis ‘Silent Night’” says I and in two toungues one song filled up that sky.

“There’s someone commin’ towards us” the front-line sentry cried.

All sights were fixed on one lone figure trudging from their side.

His truce flag, like a Christmas star, shone on that plain so bright as he bravely strode, unarmed, into the night.

Then one by one on either side walked into no-mans-land with neither gun nor bayonet we met there hand to hand.

We shared some secret brandy and wished each other well and in a flare-lit soccer game we gave ‘em hell.

We traded chocolates, cigarettes and photgraphs from home these sons and fathers far away from families of their own.

Young Sanders played his squeeze box and they had a violin this curious and unlikely band of men.

Soon daylight stole upon us and France was France once more.

With sad farewells we each began to settle back to war.

But the question haunted every heart that lived that wonderous night “whose family have I fixed within my sights?”

It was Christmas in the trenches where the frost so bitter hung.

The frozen fields of France were warmed as songs of peace were sung.

For the walls they’d kept between us to exact the work of war had been crumbled and were gone for ever more.

My name is Francis Tolliver. In Liverpool I dwell.

Each Christmas come since World War One I’ve learned it’s lessons well.

That the ones who call the shots won’t be among the dead and lame and on each end of the rifle we’re the same.

Page B34 – MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2017

Christmas, children, is not a date. It is a state of mind.

The Light Shines in the Darkness of Winter

by Janet Kilgannon

Nanny Janet and Abigail with our Christmas donkey.

It has been several months since I have traveled to my adopted home of Moose Jaw. My most recent visit was in July to attend the Saskatchewan Festival of Words, one of the jewels of this grand city. I have made the decision to spend some time in my Ontario home of Hamilton to care for my two delightful granddaughters Abigail (3) and Paisley (1). Since early August, we have enjoyed the heat and warmth of the summer playing at the park and attending our Early Years Centre. We revelled in the changing colours and temperatures of fall, with our library storytime programs and our music activities. We are now bundling up to face the chilly winds of winter, as we attend gym and swimming fun at the Recreation Centre. It is a most wonderful love affair being close to them.

I miss the friends I have made while living in your beautiful province. I miss the generous and kind people who were part of the various organizations I volunteered with. I am glad for facebook and other social media, so I can stay in touch. I miss the sunny big sky country and the prairie winds. Some days I even miss your ‘dry’ cold, since in Hamilton, the dampness permeates your bones even though the temperature

Abi with her father, my son Brendan.

is above freezing.

It has also been a wonderful year of travels, fulfilling life-long dreams to fly in a helicopter over the Grand Canyon, ride a hot-air balloon over Arizona’s Sonoma desert, climb Mayan temples in Guatemala, and snorkel the barrier reef of Belize.

In winter, the shorter daylight results in overwhelming, darkness. It surrounds you when you wake in the morning. It greets you on your way home after a day of work. It enhances that resonant Christmas metaphor of the birth of an innocent and vulnerable baby who was to become the light of the world.

I am always touched by the nativity story: a young woman must travel over dark and unsafe roads. She and her husband must avoid falling victim to thieves and must arrive at a specified time. As the birth draws closer, there is no place for them to rest their heads, only a stable they must share with cows, donkeys and sheep. A child arrives who will change the world, even two thousand years later.

I, too, have a first born son, who arrived in winter. There were medical complications, and I, too, was afraid. Once safely with us, he has been, and continues to be, a light in my world. At 30, he is strong, brave, decent, and hard-working.

And he has brought two new lights into our family in the little persons of Abigail and Paisley.

The world we are leaving as a legacy to our children is one where violence, war, drought, starvation, forced migration, and environmental degradation often overshadows the world’s blessings. It is hard to follow the news without sadness and sorrow. We can forget the message of Jesus to his disciples that “Heaven is right here, in the midst of you.”

I attend a United Church in Hamilton, am active in the governing structure and work with several local congregations who seek new ministers. I also attend a United Church in Moose Jaw whose social justice work remains a model for others. Their work is deep,

thoughtful, and committed. Both church homes give me a spiritual understanding and grounding that sustains me.

On Sunday, our closing hymn reminded us “The angels cannot change a world of hurt and pain/ Into a world of love, of justice and of peace./The task is our to do to set it really free/Our hands are ready now to make the world a place/in which the Kingdom comes.”

Jesus spoke of ‘kin-dom’. His message was of compassion, caring and love. He challenges us to bring the kin-dom of God to the reality of daily life, here and now. “Be ye the Auntie Caitlin with Abi. light to others.” Words to live by.

I am grateful for my years with Amnesty International, an organization that protects the human rights of those who strive for a better world. I am grateful for environmental groups like the Council of Canadians, who fight to protect our environment. I admire all those local agencies that bring support and help to those in need. They, and all who volunteer with them, offer light in the darkness.

My life is currently filled with light.

My son, and my beautiful, fragile daughter, bring me endless joy.

My two little sweethearts fill my Paisley delights in water... days with excitement. Christmas preparations abound: we decorate, we bake, we make little gifts for the people we love. My family is my light, my source of life, and the radiance that reveals the inner beauty of everything. They surround me and infuse my life with brightness.

May the earth’s children be blessed with love. May the child who is light illuminate your path to the heart of God. “Earth will rejoice and all creatures will be glad/When Paisley and Abigail, my joys. the kingdom comes. What are we waiting for?/The kingdom comes through us.”

Climbing Mayan temples, with gratitude, in Guatemala.

Hot air ballooning over the Sonora desert Boat ride through canyons in Utah. in Arizona.

What kind of Christmas present would Jesus ask Santa for?

MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2017 – Page B35

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Page B36 – MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2017

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Earl & Katy Duzan family: Christmas in Ormiston, Sask 1940s (submitted)

“These are my childhood memories of the wonder of Christmas in my town, in my home and with my children after I was married.

Christmas today is still a miracle.

I am not a writer but do a lot of reading, although I love to put my memories on paper for my family and others to enjoy.

“Thank you for giving others this opportunity.

“Merry Christmas and blessings in 2018.”

- Jean ‘Duzan Daniels’ Schnitzler

I close my eyes and memories wander back…

Mid-November preparations; the early baking, Mom baked fruit cake painting it with apricot brandy, wrapping with moist cloths and putting it in cookie tins to age. Oh! The catalogues weren’t called “Wish-Books” then but I would bet all I own that there was not a child that looked through them that didn’t make a wish. I wondered, did mom order the gift I asked for? If she did, it would be a wish comes true. Bob was waiting his turn to check out the boy’s pages. I was sure my eyes were as huge and bright as his.

On the days the train came into town, which was Tuesday and Thursday, the dray was loaded

with mail bags and parcels; theyall arrived at the busy Post Office lobby. People were waiting impatiently to pick up their mail. I was there with my mom wondering if some of the packages were something she ordered for me from the catalogue. I tried to be a pretty good kid, anyway; I had to do what my mom said and obey.

I remember the toys on display at our General Stores, the cards, tinsel, multi colored wrapping paper. Bulk boxes with mixed candy. Different kind to choose in each box, chocolate creams, gum drops, ribbon, mixed fruit flavored pillows, caramels, chocolate coated almonds and chocolate wafers, all lined up in rows, with scoops and paper bags laying there handy just to help yourself with mix and match. There were mixed nuts in shells, peanuts filling containers that were sitting on the floor looking like two foot high rain barrels and pot-bellied whisky containers.

I remember the Christmas trees lit up, peeking through living room windows. I was awe-struck, in a trance.

The lights around town, green, red, yellow, white and blue glistened on the new fallen snow, looking like diamonds and opals.

How I remember the pageants, the concerts, the programs, at the churches. There was Baby Jesus

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in the manger, Mary and Joseph at his side, the shepherds and sheep and the wise men bringing gifts. Then there was the Drummer boy playing his drums for Jesus because he had no other gift to offer. We were blessed with both a school concert and a Sunday school concert. The Sunday school concert was always about baby Jesus and featured the Nativity scene. Sometimes a real baby took the part of Jesus. This was Jesus birthday that we were celebrating. Among our treats, we would have a fabric cross or book mark to keep in our Bibles.

The school concert had plays, skits, reels and a lot of Christmas carols. The plays were unique.

One year there was “Humpty Dumpty”- the wall broke down and the boy playing Humpty fell off and got hurt, at least hurt his ego, anyway. As though it were today, I remember Christmas concerts at the hall and the brown bag from Santa that was stuffed with nuts in their shells, an orange, hard candy, ribbon candy and the red and white peppermint flavored candy cane.

Santa would rush in with bells ringing loudly. I do remember the year Steve Daniels dressing as Santa, us older girls recognized who he was. Pearl Sipchenko was just starting to date him then and five of us—Pearl, Joan Chase, Elaine Sanderson and I—gave him a hard time sitting on his lap tickling him under the fake beard and asking for unrealistic gifts under our tree Christmas morning. Santa was always one of the local men. That evening was so much fun; it was hard to contain the excitement. Oh! The fun on the last day of school before Christmas breaks.

There wasn’t much money but we always had new clothes, gifts and a lot of goodies. Our clothing was handmade and so were most of the treats. We had things other children didn’t have because mom made them. I knew that Mom would sit, many times through the night, at her sewing machine and stitch love into each shirt, skirt, blouse or dress, special gifts for us kids. I remember awakening in the middle of the night hearing the sewing machine. I wondered what she was making but anticipated the surprise waiting for me.

We always hung up stockings on Christmas Eve. Early Christmas morning, we found them filled with hard ribbon candy, caramels, nuts and a Japanese mandarin orange, sometimes an apple.

The year I was fourteen I received my first store-bought Christmas dress from the Eaton’s catalogue; it was aqua blue and had short puffy sleeves. My gift from Mom and Dad was a sweater, almost the same color blue as the dress.

Although the dress was lovely, I was disappointed because it was not as beautiful as some of the dresses Mom sewed for me. I noticed she would often wear one of her old dresses adding a colorful scarf or a pin to set it off. Mom was like that, we came first.

Christmas was so exciting, I was not able to sleep for several nights. When I was a little girl, we’d spend the day at Grandma and Grandpa Schoffer’s, but when Mom and Dad moved to Ormiston, my grandparents and Uncle Chris would spend the day with Christmas in our us instead. Mom roasted a turkey, homes and there were always dressing, Oh! How I looked forward to cabbage rolls, perogies and all the Christmas. Looking back, I trimmings. I had wondered what don’t know how mom did it. was meant by “the trimmings”

Peace on earth will come to stay, when we live Christmas every day.

well, that is the extras, pickles, deviled eggs, buns, and apple, pumpkin, lemon and cream pies topped with whipped cream or ice cream.

Also with the extras, were home-made chocolates, fudge, marshmallows, toffee, all sorts of cookies and most often, Chris would come with several boxes of chocolates. It seemed that what Mom did with little or nothing and what was laid out on the table and under the Christmas tree was a miracle.

Another memory regarding Christmas in Ormiston, soon after opening gifts followed by brunch, some of the men armed with a flask would go from door to door wishing neighbors a Merry Christmas. Neighbors would join them along the way and there could be eight to ten gathered by the time they made their rounds. Sometimes Dad and Bill would get home with several drinks under their belt, gifts such as chocolates, oranges, cookies, there was the time Dad had a turkey drum- stick in a back pocket. A greasy situation from what I recall.

CHRISTMAS With my children

With being the Mother, preparing Christmas holidays for and with my children was and still is exciting.

To begin with, there was the School concert, Sunday school concert, and learning parts, making costumes. The most exciting, most important, was waiting for Baby Jesus in the manger. No Room in the Inn, Mary and Joseph in the barn, manger, the crib, donkeys eating hay, wise men with gifts and camels.

This is the Christmas Nativity-scene the gift of Jesus. Jesus is the main reason for this celebration, God’s gift to us. There was planning, sewing, purchasing, wrapping gifts, finding a place to hide the gifts from kids and adults, baking and planning the dinner. Turkey and trimmings, pumpkin and apple pie served with vanilla ice-cream.

I am not forgetting the list of Christmas cards to write and mail out so they arrive at the destination in time. There are phone calls and emails, to let my loved ones know that I care, they are gifts to me. I cannot forget aunts, uncles, cousins and the long list of friends and

MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2017 – Page B37

neighbors.

Finding and decorating the tree was an important event for kids and adults. When the kids’ dad wasn’t home yet, Pa would drive us to Crane Valley or elsewhere until suitable trees were found. Living so close to Grandma and Pa made it double, double the fun for all of us. (Mom’s cabbage rolls were the best).

I remember Jocelyn, a granddaughter, choosing a regular small tree with no leaves on the branches, feeling sorry for it and decorating it to make it beautiful. There were keepsakes, because they were inherited with the family: old family baubles, new ornaments, handmade trinkets, and popcorn and craft paper garlands.

Baking cookies was mom and kid’s event; we all had to taste-test, and lick-the-bowl. There were the Christmas favorites looked forward to every year. The customs of families, which we change and add to, as the family grows.

Tourtiere (French meat pie) a favorite of Yves (I love it, too). We could go around the table checking favorites of each. Most of us are German, Norwegian and Romanian, who love the same things.

I will make Norwegian Lefsa sometime soon and German potato dumplings Kartoffelklooesse. (You will change your nationally for these, even if you are Scottish or Chinese or who cares what…yummy).

How difficult for young ones to go to bed early and wait for Santa, not to forget to hang up the Sock, leave milk and cookies for Santa.

Oh! The waiting for Christmas morning for Santa Clause to arrive and the sparkle in little and adult eye to see the tree lighted up and the pile of gifts under the tree and the stalking’s filled with goodies. I couldn’t wait for the kids to open their gifts. Not once was it said, “Is that all”. They were pleased with toys, books and a new blouse or t-shirt.

My eyes are filling with tears of the wonderful memories. Children grow up too quickly, time passes all too fast. Reliving these moments are in our memories, filled with happiness and joyful tears.

It was difficult when the time came to wait for everyone to arrive. Mom would wait looking out the window or one hand on the

door knob and the other stirring the gravy.

She would shout “Earl, come, they are here!

Help bring their luggage in.” Then there is the question each year, where will we hold Christmas this year? Who will host? Who will bring the turkey and what time will dinner be good for everyone? When is a good time to open gifts?

Time for dinner, when all is done and the finish is desert, every one complains “I have eaten too much” we complain-complain. Within a half hour, treats and snacks are being set out and it is time to start again.

If anyone says there could be a better family Christmas celebration than the holidays our family shared, in my opinion, they had better find another family that will take them in.

Happiness is family gatherings.

I was asked how we celebrated when we were poor and had nothing. “Poor, what do you mean poor? We were never poor.” When we share what we have, we are not poor. Poor means deprived and I was never deprived.

Today, things are much too commercialized and if I allow, it will take much of the joy out of the planning and celebrating of the event.

Our families who love to celebrate together have so much to be thankful for.

Christmas whispers to our hearts of simpler times and places. The celebration of Christmas is a wonderful time. It is the story of peace and good will. A concern for the lonely, poor and forgotten, a time to give as Jesus gave. This is a time to remember that God in his love for us sent his son into the world so that we may journey him. I remember the nativity, looking with awe at the manger cradle scene. Imagining that Mary placed baby Jesus in my arms, holding him close to my heart as I buried my face close to his neck deeply aware of the fragrance of his sweetness. Jesus came into this world to bless us with the promise to fulfill our hopes and dreams. I look forward to the time when my life on this earth is over and Jesus ushers me into the eternal home he has prepared for me.

How wonderful it would be if the spirit of Christmas would live all year round to share the gifts that we are given freely with all the lives of others I touch.

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Page B38 – MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2017

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MOOSE JAW EXPRESS.COM – December 2017 – Page B39

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Christmas is a time for families.

Merry Christmas!

Thank you for Over 30 Years of Giving Christmas is the season for giving and the Moose Jaw Health Foundation would like to thank its many donors and volunteers who contributed to helping save lives at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital.

Many individuals, businesses, organizations and communities in Moose Jaw made generous donations to equip our regional hospital with state-of-the-art equipment.

Your donations will help save and enhance lives.

Thanks to the generosity and support of donors and volunteers over the last 30 plus years the Foundation has raised more than $35 million dollars to help dedicated health care professionals save lives. This was only made possible by your support.

In the spirit of the holidays, please consider making a donation to help us continue to save lives. Every donation makes For more information on donating to the Foundation, please visit mjhf.org or call the Foundation at 306.694.0373.

Please consider including the Moose Jaw Health Foundation in your estate plan.

Merry Christmas and a healthy New Year!